What are your plans as a RN?

[gemini_star]

I don't know if it's only me seeing/reading these posts here like "I don't know what to do", "I can't find a job", "looking for work several years with no experience", etc. It is sad to say that dreams of going abroad to the US will be halted for several years. I am not even sure if the 5 years would be enough. It could be even more. As I have been observed here and from my colleagues, taking the NCLEX, CFGNS, IELTS, has been like a mandatory for them to take not knowing the real scenario ahead.

I have been doing some thinking lately that there should be something done or information being spread to BSN graduates. I think with the cooperation of everybody especially Filipino RNs in the US can contribute. If it takes a sticky with bold capital letters saying retrogression is on going. I think it can be done for starters. It is really unfortunate to hear such remarks from fellow colleagues who are losing hope and distracted in their nursing career. Appropriate Nursing diagnosis would be Knowledge Deficient. Anybody feels the same way? Do you have any more ideas?

For those nursing students, newly BSN graduates, RNs with or without experience, please let us know your short term or long term concrete plans. Any plans you have in mind, post it here. I know a lot of people here are willing to give information or guide you in achieving those plans.

[zerisse]

Currently my short term plans are to pass the NCLEX (since I'm already in the US) and then inquire about entry level jobs as an RN (hopefully). As I gain experience and confidence I would now want to look into specialization or getting a Master's Degree. I'm still not clear on what I would want to specialize on but I'm thinking about being an ICU or OR nurse or nurse researcher, but I'll just have to wait and see.

[smo2886]

Hi Guys..

I'm new to this forum so pardon me for any mistakes or whatsover. Let me give you the highlights of my situation.

1. Course Discernment.

I graduated H.S. and took up BS Nursing without any idea what I'm going into. Yes, I admit that I must had jumped into the nursing bandwagon because at the time, news from media were everywhere. Nursing is the most popular course during that time. So, I said to myself that I'll try nursing. It must be something for me and was hoping that God had lead me to the right path. (Don't get me wrong though but I have at least a bit of impression of nursing because my aunt is one.)

But i had this little dream of mine back then which is to gain a title beside my name (ex. archi, RN, engr.). It's petty and seems immature for some people but it is my dream. I just wanted to be a somebody. Morever, I knew also another thing, I couldn't see myself in an office. I don't know why but it's just it. (March 2004)

2. Enlightenment

For the first year of my college experience, I thought that it was okay. So, I finally got passed through some of the basic stuff. Will I be able to handle the other years? Surprisingly, yes! I really did. Although there are definitely some ups-and-downs but it was part of life. It's just a matter of knowing how to cope.

And of course as a student nurse, we definitely had to communicate with our clients. Dealing with these clients/patients had me so inspired that I was so grateful that I took up nursing. Amidst the news frenzy, retrogression, exploitation and discrimination, I'm proud to be a nurse. (2005)

3. Career Planning

While I was still in school, it was really thought in our curriculum the broad field of nursing. And, what struck me most is being a Clinical Instructor. And truly, it is something I hope to become one. I don't want to be just a clinical instructor. I really, really want to be the Clinical Instructor that inspires students. I can really see myself becoming one in the future. Combining the most noblest professions, Nurse and Teacher, is something I look forward too. (2006)

4. The End of the Beginning and The Beginning of Another

I graduated from college with again to my surprise. I was so happy and felt blessed by God. Although it took some while before I got my requirements and experienced different things but I was able to finish them all but not really in time for the June Board Exam. I said to myself, "That's okay. Have patience. It must not be really for you that's why you were not be able to take it. Move forward and God will surely give you something better." I waited for so many months and was very much occupied with another event in our family (good one). And then i finally filed my documents to the PRC officials. And, I got my approval. Another chapter of my life begins. (2008)

5. Review, Local Licensure Board Examination and the Wait

I reviewed rigorously for several months. There were moments when I thought I couldn't go on and I really wanted to give up. But, I'm so blessed because I am surrounded by people who believe and encourage me. This is my first major examination and I really want to pass it for so many reasons. I was at the testing school, did as asked and finally, handed my exam to the proctors. It is now in the hands of the people who are considered pillars of the nursing society. (November 2008)

Up to now, hopeful people like me are still waiting for the results. People tell us to be patient and that everything will be fine. But, the anxiety of waiting is so agonizing that we tend to loose faith. However, I pray to God to help me keep my faith. I tell Him that please, no matter what happens, I know You're there and You will never leave me. I just have to trust You.

It has already been two months since the last day of exam. And any day in February or March, results will come out. While waiting, I just had to find work. I'm not really used to doing nothing so I applied. I really wished to work in hospital or any where related to our chosen profession but there are no openings. So, I jumped into the band wagon again and applied in several call centers. I pass all their exams but I seem not to convince them during my interview. Like the other member here (I forgot your username. Sorry.), I am a lousy liar. I just couldn't help it but I really, really do feel guilty in lying. But, I never loose hope. And one call center gave me an opportunity. While taking the exam and after the first interview, I was thinking. Do i really want to become an office worker? No, don't get me wrong. It's a legal job and I hold upmost respect for people who are earning through this kind of occupation. But, it has never been for me. And God must have intervened, I passed the interviews but I wasn't really offered a full time position. It's okay eventhough they were offering me a job for only two weeks. I honestly said to them that the part time job will suffice to let me know whether I like the BPO industry or not. I'll be starting on monday. (January 2008)

6. My future strategy

Some of my plans are basically like the others. But it will also depend on the turns, chances and opportunity that I will have. Although I don't have any time frame but I'll try to make it sure that I'll do this stuff.

--- pass the local board exam by year 2009 (november 2008 exam)

--- attend seminars and trainings

--- work or train in a tertiary hospital to gain experience

--- find a place where I can get several cases because I plan to take midwifery too.

--- pass NCLEX (i'm not sure yet though but it's another plan. Either Canada or US)

--- pass IELTS (another plan)

--- study MAN and doctorate

--- Be a Good Clinical Instructor

--- live happy

My story is not yet a success story. But, I will because I believe and have my faith. Eventhough some people don't believe you, don't pay any heed to them. Don't let them trample your dreams. It's only pulling you down. Just have faith and never, ever loose hope.

[white_wave_08]

I have already passed my local boards, and my NCLEX-RN exam, and now I am reviewing for my IELTS Exam probably on the last week of April.

I am still confused however, if I am going to apply for training in any hospital or work in a call center while reviewing for my IELTS. Right now, my top priority is to get a high score in IELTS so that I can have more job opportunities, not only in US but in other countries as well. That is my short term goal.

My long term goals are:

1. get at least 1-year hospital experience

2. get a VISA Screen Certificate

3. work in US, if not work in a Cruise line like Norwegian Cruise Line. =) I really want to travel while working as a nurse.

[jenna18]

My 2009 Life Plan?

Plan A

Work for the meantime. Learn everything there is to learn in Public health which I may use in the future.

Keep submitting resumes to local hospitals.

Take the short courses, certificates, and maybe specialties... ACLS, ECG, Telemetry, Hemodialysis.

Serious review for I will be taking the NCLEX by May- June and finally,in God's will, be a USRN through the state of VT.

Ace the IELTS.

Complete my VSC.

Apply at HCCA, they help nurses go to the US, but only those with at least 6 mos. continuing clinical exp in a tertiary hospital.

If I'm successful in finding a US sponsor, at least I have a petition on process, then I can pursue working in other countries.

If I still dont get hired here... PLAN B.

Volunteer. Take the training at LCP or WCMC or Maybe at Quirino Medical Center. I heard they really hire their volunteer nurses after some time.

We all should start or focus on pursuing our applications in tertairy hospitals.

There is no success without U. These plans are nothing without our actions. But the key really is prayer. And also confidence and perseverance.

[Guest289655]

My new plan includes passing my NCLEX and IELTS. Will also try the Canadian exam. After that, will try to apply in the middle east to practice my profession at the same time gain some experience for my long term goal which is US or Canada. But as much as possible I want to be in Canada because they have a very good health care system

[EwwThat'sNasty]

What a lot of impressive posts. Were I able to I'd hire the lot of you, sight unseen! Unfortunately the corporation that I work for may well be bankrupt in not too many months so... (And I have no hiring authority at any rate)

One suggestion from the posts is Take the NCLEX or which exam you need as soon as possible. I once read a study that indicated the greater the time it is taken after graduating the greater the fail rate and the greater chance than one will never take it. If you can afford to, do it and remember you don't need a perfect score, or even a high score, you simply need to pass.

[mitolectomy]

when i first had a very good CI way back sophomore college, i told myself that i will be a CI too, and will be the best in the school where i took my high school now with a nursing school.

Now that i am already working as i planned, next things i should do shall be

a. finish my Master's Degree

b. Establish networks in our school via on-line and traditional venues

c. further enhance our students' level of knowledge

d. boost the morale of our co-CI's despite of our not-so-high salaries

[gambutrol]

here are my plans within this year 2009:

1. Continue working here at PGH while waiting for my visa and deployment in Canada.

2. Work in Canada within this year (hopefully in God's grace- I'm waiting for my visa)

2010 goals:

1. Continue working in Canada as an ICU nurse

2. Pass the CRNE

3. Get certified as a cardiac care nurse and critical care nurse in Canada

4. (and maybe) Continue my masters there

Long term goals:

1. Go back here in the Philippines (If I have saved enough already for me and my family)

2. Share all of the experiences that I have acquired as a nurse here in the Philippines (specially in the nursing school where I was reared and guided)

3. Be a review center specialist

4. Retire

[elise89]

Background: June 2006 passer, wasn't able to retake due to baby No. 3 (clearly not good in planning and.. contraception!)

Plan : Resit the NLE, review and pass NCLEX (not California), pass IELTS, attend trainings, volunteer work , to land a job at the Phil. Heart Center and specialize in ICU (please GOD!!)

I believe that if you are specialized in one area, you will be more marketable than the others.. so while retrogression is in progress, let's start with ourselves so we can do better when we're needed. Practice nursing!

[proudpinay29]

i'm april, 2008 graduate and passed the NLE last nov 2008.

my SHORT-TERM GOALS are:

1. finish my contract as a school nurse and at the same my commitments as a corporate secretary.

2. Pass the CGFNS, TOEFL and NCLEX.

3. Apply as a volunteer nurse in any hospital that would take me. (.....crossing my fingers...since most of the hospitals now are jampacked with volunteer nurses)

my LONG -TERM GOALS are:

1. provide my 2 kids with the best life and education they could possible have after looking for a job (hopefully in New Jersey)

2. Spend time with my mom and sis since we've been apart for so long.

3. save money for my husband and i.

4. live the rest of my life with my husband.

[frustratednurse]

Any plan that ends well is good enough for me. If goal is not met never let go of it.. Only redirect the path the you will take but the road leads to the same goal. I have so many plans for myself and my family. Listed so many steps in achieving my goal. But as time passes, one by one I see that my plans are slowly fading away. Through circumstances that I cannot control or is it the price to pay for finishing nursing in the my own country (Philippines). I never once forsaken my country, but sometimes it comes to my mind what if... I did not took nursing... what if I was born somewhere else? As I contemplate it came to my mind that if I achieve my goal quickly, is it a guarantee that I would be happy in the long run? Yes there is a sense of fulfillment if a nurse has surpassed all the challenges, all the exams that needed to take and the endless wait for the visa. But happiness is not guaranteed if we are able to work outside our country. Rather, I think it is found inside our home through our family. It is them who pushes us for our dreams, it is them who pick us up when we're down, and it is also them who reminds us if we are chasing a dream then we are not running fast enough. Never give up, because by the time we chose to surrender then the dream will forever remain a dream.

[eissej_xxiv]

i'm a june 2007 passer and as of now i still don't accomplish anything, because i gave birth to my first daugher after the boards and decided to be a full time mom so that i can give my 100% time to her(exclusively breastfeeding)...so when i thought that i'm ready to pursue my nursing career, it didn't happened because i was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. i was really shocked because the first thing that came to my mind is that i can't work now because my activities of daily living is really affected. so how can i do simple injection if i have tremors? so to cut the story short, i'm now into medications and starting to feel better...

so my plan now is to have a nursing job/volunteer asap so that i can make up for those 2 years had passed. so right now i'm considering to work in a secondary hospital in our province because they're still accepting volunteer or maybe go back to my first job as a medtech (i'm a 2nd courser)...my other option is to inquire to the lying-in near our place, just to help those people in need and to gain some experience as well